The Honorable Jack Layton, beloved Toronto MP and leader of the federal NDP, has passed away at the age of 61.

Best-known for his storied political career, Layton was also a respected author, drawing on his knowledge of policy, politics and social causes. Amongst his books were Homeless: How to End the National Crisis, reprinted by Penguin Canada in 2008 and Speaking Out: Ideas That Work for Canadians, published by Canadian press Key Porter in 2004.